Lindblad Expeditions recently announced the acquisition of Wineland-Thomson Adventures, an adventure travel group, through its subsidiary Natural Habitat Adventures. This acquisition is meant to strengthen Lindblad’s presence in East Africa, particularly Tanzania, with the addition of Thomson Safaris. Lindblad and Wineland-Thomson both prioritize sustainable tourism practices and education, making this partnership a good fit for both companies. This acquisition is part of Lindblad’s strategy of acquiring established adventure travel companies, as they also acquired three other tour operators in April.
With the addition of Wineland-Thomson’s Tanzania-based offerings, Lindblad hopes to expand their footprint and create more opportunities to inspire, educate, and preserve the wonders of the natural world. The acquisition of Wineland-Thomson will allow Lindblad to further expand their land offerings in and around East Africa, tapping into the growth potential of small-group safaris in Tanzania and beyond. Wineland-Thomson will continue providing stand-alone offerings and leverage Lindblad’s resources to accelerate growth and take advantage of demand trends.
Lindblad reported its first-quarter earnings, with total revenue increasing 7% year-over-year to $153.6 million and bookings were 4% ahead of the same period in 2023. While EBITDA for land experiences was in line with the same period in 2023, the company cited increased operating costs, including staff, investing in more departure options, and increased marketing. This shows that Lindblad is focused on growth and expanding its offerings in order to capitalize on the demand for adventure travel experiences.
The partnership with Wineland-Thomson is the latest in Lindblad’s recent acquisition spree, as the company has been strategic in acquiring established adventure travel companies to expand their presence and offerings. The addition of Thomson Safaris and other Tanzania-based experiences from Wineland-Thomson will allow Lindblad to further establish itself in the East Africa region and provide more opportunities for travelers to explore and learn about the natural wonders of the area. By prioritizing sustainable tourism practices and education, Lindblad is positioning itself as a leader in the adventure travel industry.
The acquisition of Wineland-Thomson by Lindblad Expeditions is a strategic move to strengthen the company’s presence in East Africa, particularly Tanzania. This partnership will allow Lindblad to expand its offerings and provide more opportunities for travelers to experience the beauty and wonder of the region. With a focus on sustainable tourism practices and education, both companies are aligned in their mission to inspire, educate, and preserve the natural world. By acquiring established adventure travel companies, Lindblad is positioning itself for growth and success in the ever-changing travel industry.
